Patrick F. Downing

Patrick Francis Downing, 79, beloved father and grandfather, passed away peacefully in the early hours of December 21st, 2024. Pat loved to add a bit of flare to his stories. So, his final exit on the Winter Solstice, amidst a snowstorm, seems fitting, marking a symbolic transition from darkness to light and a reminder of the cyclical nature of life.

Pat was born on January 15, 1945 in Kenmare, County Kerry, Ireland to John and Mary (Spillane) Downing. In 1954, Pat and his mother left Ireland on a ship destined for America to reunite with his father in Somerville, MA. Fiercely grounded in his Irish roots, Pat would take many trips “home” over the years.

Pat graduated from Christopher Columbus High School and received a football scholarship to Northeastern University, graduating in 1969. After graduation, he found his forever home in Marblehead, MA.

Quick with a joke, a story, or a magic trick, his booming laugh filled every room he entered. Pat’s charm and self-confidence helped pave the way for an accomplished career in business, working for several medical device companies over the years before building his own successful company, Atlantic Coast Medical Devices, Inc.

An athlete at heart, Pat was a runner, avid skier, and accomplished sailor. He ran an astounding 17 Boston Marathons. On winter weekends, he’d race his kids on the ski slopes or launch them down the hill at Seaside Park in his four-man toboggan. Another favorite sport was whipping around town in his red Porsche, blasting Hotel California or Danger Zone. Loud and fast—the only gear he had.

But Pat was happiest on the water—behind the helm of his sailboat or sitting on the porch of the Corinthian Yacht Club taking in the sunset view, a drink in hand.

He was an eternal optimist and a proud believer in magic, in the spirit of Christmas, and in his kids. If there was a sideline to stand on, he’d be there, coaching and cheering. He had a way of making you believe in yourself, too.

He leaves behind his four children, Seana McLaughlin and her husband Wade, of Beverly, MA, Daniel Downing and his wife, Jacque (Diaz), of Lakewood, CA, Caroline Garner and her husband, Adam, of Beverly, MA, and Jack Downing of Reno, NV; and his brother, Sean Downing, MD of Sarasota, FL. He was also “Papa” to 7 grandchildren whom he adored.

A celebration of Patrick’s life is being planned for this spring where family and friends will be invited to share their cherished memories. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org/ or Wounded Warrior Project https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org .